What does the proof and the bottle mean?

Simply put, by cutting liquor’s proof in half you get the percent of liquor in the bottle.

Where do we get proof from?

Suspicious buyers used to mix gunpowder with whiskey and lit it; if nothing happened it was watered down if it exploded it was “proof” that it was 100% whiskey.

Is there a proof limit to Bourbon?

It can be no more than 180 proof.

Should I drink whiskey straight or on the rocks? Does it make a difference?

Its your drink, drink it how you like it. Most distillers consider that a whiskey’s flavor is enhanced by having small addition of water: either with one cube on the rocks or adding a drop of water straight up.

So tell me more about the Bourbon

It’s a whiskey that is distilled from 51% corn mash.

It can only be called Bourbon if it originates in the United States of America.

By law Bourbon must be aged in NEW charred oak barrels.

Unlike other whiskeys, the only thing that can be added to bourbon during its production is water.

Does the aging process vary between the style of whiskeys?

Whiskeys: are all aged in some form of oak cask: for most international whiskeys a minimum of 3 years, american whiskeys can be less than this as long as the ages is listed.

Bourbons: A brand-new white oak cask is charred on the interior with a blowtorch before the liquor is poured in to be aged.

Scotches: Is aged initially in a second-hand cask, usually a bourbon cask. Then it is transferred to another cask to give it its finish.

Why are whiskey’s aged for so long?

The short answer is the climate. Unlike Tequila and Rum which come from the Caribbean and Mexico, whiskey’s originate in countries of colder climates; Canada, Scotland, and the United States.

Is there an age range I should order?

There is no hard and fast number for a good age and many whiskeys are blends of different ages. Although we are always trying a whiskey that’s old enough to order its own whiskey.

What’s the difference between Single Cask, Single Malt, or Blended Whiskeys?

Single Malt: The bottle came from a single distillery and a single malted grain. It consists of whiskeys from differing barrels and ages, put together in a specific combination to keep the flavor consistent over time.

Single Cask/Barrel:This style of whiskey comes from only one individual cask, meaning the taste of these whiskies changes distinctly from cask to cask.

Blended Whiskey: the most common variety is made of a mixture of different types of grain whisky usually from a multitude of distilleries.

Where does whiskey come from?

The first confirmed existence of whiskey is in Ireland in 1405.

What does the word “Whiskey” mean?

Whiskey comes from the Gaelic term Uisege Beatha which means the “water of life”.

Can whiskey save my life?

We are glad you asked, single malt whisky has been found to contain significant amounts of ellagic acid – an antioxidant known to help prevent cancer.

Why do distiller’s say angel’s love whiskey?

Going back hundreds of years, distiller’s found that from every barrel about 4% of whisky was “stolen” by angels so they could check to see if it was okay – an amount we now know is due to evaporation.

Why do the Scottish spell whisky without an “e”?

The Scott’s spell it without the “e” because they believe more vowels waste time which could be spent drinking.

MEAT FAQS

STL BBQ?

St. Louis has a long history of BBQ, firmly rooted in our special types of butchering and utilizing all different types of smoking to offer the best of all worlds.

How do you make your brisket?

We only use prime beef brisket and smoke whole briskets over post oak for 14-18 hours! Using whole briskets allows us to offer our guests lean, fatty or burnt ends when ordering the plates.

What are burnt ends?

When smoking briskets this long, the ends and deckle get “burnt” creating an intense flavor and char that guests love!

What wood do you use?

We smoke our pork shoulder and brisket over post oak. This is most intense smoking wood we can find and creates a deep and long finish on our smoked meats. For ribs, chicken, bacon, and salmon we use cherry wood, which provides a little more nuance and sweetness to these more delicate meats.

What are burnt end t-ravs?

We make ravioli from scratch and then stuff them with burnt ends and cheddar, bread them and deep fry them. An STL specialty married with BBQ magic.

What's a popover?

Its an eggy, airy, cheddar and bacon muffin that we serve with our platters. It is delicious!

Who makes your pies?

We do! We make everything from scratch, in house from fries to pies!

What does BBQ is for Besties mean?

BBQ is love and friendship, we hope you can taste the difference this loves makes and will become our bestie forever.

Describe your sauces.

Alabama Ranch – an alabama white sauce that is egg based with horseradish and black pepper (by request only, when in store)

About Salt + Smoke

The team at Salt + Smoke have been passionate about treating meat right for years and are excited to bring our Saint Louis-style BBQ to the Delmar Loop. We do our best to bring you the best. Everything from our fries to our pies are made, from scratch, in house!